Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

The Olympus PEN-F and the Fujifilm X-Pro2 are two enthusiast cameras that were announced in January 2016. Both the PEN-F and the X-Pro2 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a Four Thirds (PEN-F) and an APS-C (X-Pro2) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Fujifilm provides 24 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their sensors, their features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

The physical size and weight of the Olympus PEN-F and the Fujifilm X-Pro2 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size,
the Fujifilm X-Pro2 is notably larger (30 percent) than the Olympus PEN-F. Moreover, the X-Pro2 is markedly heavier (16 percent) than the PEN-F. It is noteworthy in this context that the X-Pro2 is splash and dust-proof, while the PEN-F does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses
that both of these cameras require. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist.
You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Micro Four Thirds Lens Catalog (PEN-F) and the Fujinon X Lens Catalog (X-Pro2). Mirrorless cameras, such as the two under consideration, have the additional advantage of having a short flange to focal plane distance, which makes it possible to mount many lenses from other systems onto the camera via adapters.

Concerning battery life, the PEN-F gets 330 shots out of its BLN-1 battery,
while the X-Pro2 can take 350 images on a single charge of its NP-W126 power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left
arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and
make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The PEN-F was launched at a markedly lower price (by 29 percent) than the X-Pro2, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus PEN-F features a Four Thirds sensor and the Fujifilm X-Pro2
an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the X-Pro2 is 64 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.5. The sensor in the PEN-F has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the X-Pro2 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 24MP, the X-Pro2 offers a higher
resolution than the PEN-F (20.2MP), but the X-Pro2 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of
3.92μm versus 3.34μm for the PEN-F) due to its larger sensor. It is noteworthy in this context that the two cameras were released in close succession, so that their sensors are
from the same technological generation. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The X-Pro2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during video recording.

Unlike the X-Pro2, the PEN-F has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (40MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Olympus PEN-F has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 25600
The corresponding ISO settings for the Fujifilm X-Pro2 are ISO 200 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-51200..

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

Camera Model

Sensor Class

Resolution (MP)

Horiz. Pixels

Vert. Pixels

Video Format

DXO Portrait

DXO Landscape

DXO Sports

DXO Overall

Camera Model

Olympus PEN-F»

Four Thirds

20.2

5184

3888

1080/60p

23.1

12.4

894

74

Olympus PEN-F

Fujifilm X-Pro2«

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

-

-

-

-

Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm X-T3«»

APS-C

26.0

6240

4160

4K/60p

-

-

-

-

Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm X100F«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

-

-

-

-

Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X-A3«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

-

-

-

-

Fujifilm X-A3

Fujifilm X-T2«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

4K/30p

-

-

-

-

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm X-Pro1«»

APS-C

16.0

4896

3264

1080/24p

-

-

-

-

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Olympus E-M10 III«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

4K/30p

-

-

-

-

Olympus E-M10 III

Olympus E-PL8«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

1080/30p

-

-

-

-

Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-M5 II«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

1080/60p

23.0

12.5

842

73

Olympus E-M5 II

Olympus E-M10 II«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

1080/60p

23.1

12.5

842

73

Olympus E-M10 II

Olympus E-PL7«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

1080/30p

22.7

12.4

873

72

Olympus E-PL7

Olympus E-M1«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

1080/30p

23.0

12.7

757

73

Olympus E-M1

Olympus E-P5«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

1080/30p

22.8

12.4

895

72

Olympus E-P5

Olympus E-M5«»

Four Thirds

15.9

4608

3456

1080/60i

22.8

12.3

826

71

Olympus E-M5

Panasonic GX8«»

Four Thirds

20.2

5184

3888

4K/30p

23.5

12.6

806

75

Panasonic GX8

Panasonic GX7«»

Four Thirds

15.8

4592

3448

1080/60p

22.6

12.2

718

70

Panasonic GX7

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/60p).

Feature comparison: Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The PEN-F and the X-Pro2 are similar in the sense that both feature an electronic viewfinder, which is helpful when framing images in bright sunlight.
Moreover, their viewfinders offer an identical resolution of 2360k dots. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Olympus PEN-F and Fujifilm X-Pro2 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

Camera Model

Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots)

Control Panel (yes/no)

LCD Size (inch)

LCD Resolution ('000 dots)

LCD Attach- ment

Touch Screen (yes/no)

Shutter speed (1/sec)

Shutter flaps (1/sec)

Built-in Flash (yes/no)

Built-in Image Stab

Camera Model

Olympus PEN-F»

2360

n

3.0

1037

swivel

Y

8000

10.0

n

Y

Olympus PEN-F

Fujifilm X-Pro2«

2360

n

3.0

1620

fixed

n

8000

8.0

n

n

Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm X-T3«»

3690

n

3.2

1040

tilting

Y

8000

11.0

n

n

Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm X100F«»

2360

n

3.0

1040

fixed

n

4000

8.0

Y

n

Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X-A3«»

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

4000

6.0

Y

n

Fujifilm X-A3

Fujifilm X-T2«»

2360

n

3.0

1040

tilting

n

8000

14.0

n

n

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm X-Pro1«»

1440

n

3.0

1230

fixed

n

4000

6.0

n

n

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Olympus E-M10 III«»

2360

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

4000

8.6

Y

Y

Olympus E-M10 III

Olympus E-PL8«»

-

n

3.0

1037

tilting

Y

4000

8.0

n

Y

Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-M5 II«»

2360

n

3.0

1037

swivel

Y

8000

10.0

n

Y

Olympus E-M5 II

Olympus E-M10 II«»

2360

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

4000

8.0

Y

Y

Olympus E-M10 II

Olympus E-PL7«»

-

n

3.0

1037

tilting

Y

4000

8.0

n

Y

Olympus E-PL7

Olympus E-M1«»

2360

n

3.0

1037

tilting

Y

8000

10.0

n

Y

Olympus E-M1

Olympus E-P5«»

-

n

3.0

1037

tilting

Y

8000

9.0

Y

Y

Olympus E-P5

Olympus E-M5«»

1440

n

3.0

610

tilting

Y

4000

9.0

n

Y

Olympus E-M5

Panasonic GX8«»

2360

n

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

8000

10.0

n

Y

Panasonic GX8

Panasonic GX7«»

2760

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

8000

5.0

Y

Y

Panasonic GX7

One feature that differentiates the PEN-F and the X-Pro2 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS).
The PEN-F reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the X-Pro2 has to rely on optical image stabilization
in OIS-equipped lenses to achieve the same effect.

The PEN-F has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by
vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the X-Pro2 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, both cameras feature
an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or
shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the PEN-F and the X-Pro2 write their files to SDXC cards. The X-Pro2 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the PEN-F
only has one slot.

Connectivity comparison: Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Olympus PEN-F and Fujifilm X-Pro2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

Camera Model

Hotshoe Port

Internal Microphone

Internal Speaker

Microphone Port

Headphone Port

HDMI Port

USB Type

WiFi Support

NFC Support

Bluetooth Support

Camera Model

Olympus PEN-F»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus PEN-F

Fujifilm X-Pro2«

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Fujifilm X-Pro2

Fujifilm X-T3«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

3.1

Y

-

Y

Fujifilm X-T3

Fujifilm X100F«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Fujifilm X100F

Fujifilm X-A3«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Fujifilm X-A3

Fujifilm X-T2«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

3.0

Y

-

-

Fujifilm X-T2

Fujifilm X-Pro1«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Fujifilm X-Pro1

Olympus E-M10 III«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus E-M10 III

Olympus E-PL8«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus E-PL8

Olympus E-M5 II«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus E-M5 II

Olympus E-M10 II«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus E-M10 II

Olympus E-PL7«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus E-PL7

Olympus E-M1«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus E-M1

Olympus E-P5«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Olympus E-P5

Olympus E-M5«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

-

-

-

Olympus E-M5

Panasonic GX8«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Panasonic GX8

Panasonic GX7«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Panasonic GX7

It is notable that the X-Pro2 has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings
by attaching an external microphone. The PEN-F does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-Pro2 (unlike the PEN-F) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights
can be controlled by the camera.

Both the PEN-F and the X-Pro2 are recent models that feature in their makers' current product line-up. The X-Pro2 replaced the earlier Fujifilm X-Pro1, while the PEN-F does not have a direct predecessor.

Review summary: Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

So what is the bottom line? Is the Olympus PEN-F better than the Fujifilm X-Pro2 or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Advantages of the Olympus PEN-F:

High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.

More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.

Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.

More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.

Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.

Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.

Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X-Pro2 emerges as the winner of the match-up (11 : 9 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera.

PEN-F 09:11 X-Pro2

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the PEN-F and the X-Pro2 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews: Olympus PEN-F vs Fujifilm X-Pro2

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The detailed reviews can be accessed by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.